Here are some companies that are offering vaccine rewards to customers and employees.
Perks 101
So far, according to CNBC, nearly a quarter of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. And while many have done so for their own health or the greater public good, research shows that it wouldn’t hurt companies to sweeten the deal. A report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shows that while 88% of employers are unsure whether they will incentivize employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, 93% of workers would get the vaccine if they were offered perks to do so. Here are some companies that are paving the way by offering vaccine rewards to customers and employees.
Sweet treats
Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts to anyone who shows their vaccination card.
Bonuses
Some companies are compensating their employees with cold hard cash for getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Kroger grocery chains are offering a $100 bonus to employees who get a vaccine or complete an education course if they cannot receive the vaccine for religious or health purposes. Target is also offering a $15 reimbursement to employees who use ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft to get to vaccination appointments, while Instacart is paying shoppers $25 to get vaccinated. Grocery chain Lidl is providing $200 in extra pay to employees who receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Store credit
Grocery store chain Publix is offering gift cards worth $125 to employees who receive the vaccine.
Herbal remedies
As part of their “Pot for Shots” promotion, The Greenhouse of Walled Lake in Michigan is offering a free pre-rolled marijuana joint to patrons over the age of 21 who show proof of vaccination.
Transportation
Lyft is helping to coordinate free and discounted rides to eligible users who need to get to a vaccine appointment. Uber has also partnered with local health organizations to offer free rides. Local transportation providers are also getting in on vaccination freebies. Tallahassee-based bus service Star Metro will offer free rides to vaccination appointments.
Paid leave
Companies including Starbucks, Dollar General, Amtrak and Darden Restaurants (the owners of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille) are offering between two and four hours of paid time off for employees to get vaccinated during the work day.
Time off
Washington-based Knead Hospitality + Design restaurant company is offering salaried workers an extra day of PTO for receiving the coronavirus vaccine, SHRM reports.
No perks
Some companies aren’t offering any benefits because they feel the decision to get the vaccine is a personal one that shouldn’t be influenced by outside factors; they worry that encouraging vaccinations may open the door to liability; or they believe the political implications of the vaccine may upset certain workers, according to a recent Forbes article.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also cautions that a COVID-19 vaccine does not qualify as a “medical examination” under the Americans with Disabilities Act and screening questions related to the vaccine may “elicit information about a disability.” The EEOC states, “if the employer requires an employee to receive the vaccination, administered by the employer, the employer must show that these disability-related screening inquiries are ‘job-related and consistent with business necessity.’”
To reward Americans who've been vaccinated, these companies are providing freebies when you show proof of getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
